University of Guelph professor Amar Mohanty has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the BioEnvironmental Polymer Society (BEPS).

Mohanty, cross-appointed to the Department of Plant Agriculture and the School of Engineering, received the award Oct. 13 at the 23rd international BEPS conference in Karlsruhe, Germany.

The international award recognizes an outstanding research career, as well as dedication and support for BEPS.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest recognition from BEPS to a member who has made “outstanding contributions to scientific advancement and made phenomenal scholarly accomplishments and impact in the field of biopolymers, bio-based materials and/or bioplastic/materials related bioenergy systems,” according to the society’s website.

BEPS is an international scientific organization supporting and encouraging research, development and discussions on synthetic, renewable and naturally degradable polymers and composites.

Mohanty, who is the Ontario Premier’s Research Chair in Biomaterials and Transportation and director of the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre at U of G, studies production of bio-based materials, natural fibre composites, bioplastics and integrated bio-refinery in order to make new sustainable materials.